Roads CS Kipchumba Murkomen has entered the debate on the one man, one vote, one shilling revenue-sharing formula, labeling those advocating for it as enemies of Kenya’s unity.
Speaking in Isiolo North during a youth empowerment fundraiser, Murkomen said such projects as the 800-kilometre Nairobi-Moyale Road and the Lamu Port would not have materialized with such thinking.
“President Kibaki had a grand dream for the development of marginalized areas. We shall fulfill the dream of our founding fathers to tarmac roads in the North from Isiolo to Mandera, complete the LAPSSET corridor from Lamu to Isiolo via Garissa in this first term of this administration,” he assured.
Murkomen stated that most of those discussing the formula do not even understand what it entails.
“When I was a senator in the last Parliament, we united with others and called ourselves Team Kenya because we wanted to portray Kenya as one country,” he said.
“Nairobi was receiving a larger allocation, but Johnson Sakaja (now Nairobi governor) stood with us. Elgeyo Marakwet was getting more money than Isiolo, but I stood with Team Kenya.”
Murkomen noted that even as a Cabinet Secretary, he has a significant responsibility to ensure every Kenyan is a winner.
“Those claiming certain regions should get a larger allocation are enemies of Kenya’s unity. I do not fear to say so,” he stated.
He said leaders should ensure there is equitable development across the country.
He assured pastoralist communities and marginalized parts of the country that they would receive their fair share of development.
Proponents of the one man, one vote, one shilling revenue-sharing formula include Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
The two have insisted that the formula does not imply that areas with low populations should be denied funds.
“We are just asking for equity. All children should be equal. Those in Samburu should be equal to those in Kajiado,” Gachagua said at a meeting in Samburu on Friday.
Speaking at another event, Kibwezi West Constituency MP Mwengi Mutuse said population alone cannot be the only factor but can be given a higher weight in the simulation.